What You Need to Know About Dermal Fillers

When administered by qualified providers like those at Point Of View Medical Aesthetics, dermal fillers have an outstanding safety profile. Most side effects are minor (bruising, swelling, redness) and temporary. Serious complications are extremely rare when treatments are performed by skilled injectors in a clinical setting.

Always disclose your complete medical history and any allergies before treatment. Fillers are typically not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have active skin infections, certain autoimmune conditions, bleeding disorders, or allergies to filler ingredients.

Most patients find filler treatments very tolerable. Modern hyaluronic acid fillers contain lidocaine (a numbing medicine) to enhance comfort during injection. We also use topical numbing cream or cold packs for sensitive patients.

You may feel slight pinching or pressure during each injection, but the process is quick. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is compared to their expectations.

With hyaluronic acid fillers, results typically last about 6–12 months. Some thicker formulations or treatments in areas with less movement (like cheeks) can last up to 18 months.

Individual factors like metabolism, activity level, and lifestyle choices (such as smoking) can affect longevity. We typically schedule follow-up visits so you can maintain your results with touch-up treatments before the filler completely dissipates.

You’ll notice an immediate difference as soon as your injections are complete. Some mild swelling or bruising is normal and often peaks within the first 24 hours before gradually subsiding. Cold compresses can help reduce these effects.

For optimal results, we recommend avoiding intense physical activity, alcohol consumption, and excessive heat exposure for about 24 hours after treatment. Most people return to work or social activities immediately. Your final look will develop over the next 1–2 weeks as any swelling resolves completely.

One significant advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is their adjustability. If you’re unhappy with any aspect of your results, we can massage the area to refine the shape or inject a small amount of hyaluronidase to dissolve excess filler.

This is rarely necessary with our meticulous technique, but it’s reassuring to know that adjustments are possible. Additionally, since HA fillers naturally break down over time, results are not permanent.

Fillers and Botox address aging through different mechanisms. Fillers physically restore volume to smooth static lines and enhance features, while Botox relaxes muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles (like forehead lines or crow’s feet).

Many patients benefit from combining both treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the optimal approach based on your specific concerns and goals.

The cost of filler treatments varies depending on the type of filler used and the amount required to achieve your desired results. We provide detailed pricing information during your consultation after assessing your needs.

Consider the investment in terms of quality and safety – skilled injectors using premium products deliver superior results with fewer complications. Many clinics offer financing options to make treatments more accessible.

You can read more on our thoughts here: The Importance of Consulting with Qualified Aesthetic Professionals

Always choose a licensed medical professional (physician, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse) with specialized training in aesthetic injections. Look for providers with extensive experience, ongoing education in advanced techniques, and a portfolio of satisfied patients.

At POV Medical Aesthetics, our certified injectors regularly update their skills through continuing education to ensure you receive the safest, most effective treatment possible.